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PhrasesAt the Bus StopQuanto tempo devo aspettare?
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Quanto tempo devo aspettare?

How long do I have to wait?

Pronunciation

'Aspettare' — stress the second syllable: 'a-spet-TA-re'. The double 't' is held slightly longer than in English.

When to use it

Ask this when there is no electronic display at the stop and you need a rough idea of the wait time. It works for buses, trams, and even ferries.

What it means

'Devo' is the first-person singular of 'dovere' (must/have to). 'Aspettare' means 'to wait'. The structure 'devo + infinitive' expresses obligation, equivalent to 'I have to + verb' in English.

Variations

Quanto aspetto?

How long do I wait?

Very colloquial shortening common in informal speech.

Sa quando passa il prossimo autobus?

Do you know when the next bus comes?

Formal; asks specifically about the next bus rather than wait time.

C'è molto da aspettare?

Is there a lot of waiting to do?

Idiomatic; 'molto da aspettare' literally means 'much to wait'.

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto tempo devo aspettare? — Il prossimo arriva tra dieci minuti. — Okay, grazie. — Di niente.

— How long do I have to wait? — The next one arrives in ten minutes. — Okay, thanks. — No problem.

Cultural Note

Italian buses are notorious for running late, especially in southern Italy. Locals often check apps like 'Moovit' or the city transport app rather than trusting posted schedules.